Infant&#39;s Interactive Track Play Set

ABSTRACT

A child&#39;s interactive track play set includes a tower having a first track portion and a second track portion. The first track portion and the second track portion are separate from each other. The track play set includes a platform with elastic member located below the first track portion. Objects are transferred off of the first track portion and onto the platform, which redirects the objects onto the second track portion. Furthermore, the first and second track portions may contain a plurality of switches that actuate a plurality of lights and sounds located throughout the track play set.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/668,158, entitled “Infant's Interactive Track Play Set”, filed Jul. 5, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to toy entertainment devices, and in particular, to a free standing interactive track play set.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infants develop by interacting with their surrounding environment. Sensory stimuli are an infant's first sources of learning. For example, seeing moving elements fosters development of motor and visual tracking skills, and listening to music and sounds stimulates auditory skills.

Consequently, toys are often developed to create an interactive, sensory stimulating experience for an infant. For example, mobiles aid the development of an infant by improving vision and eye-tracking skills, while infant gyms improve the infant's coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility. Interactive track play sets allow an infant to focus on an object moving along a predetermined path, stimulating motor and visual tracking skills. In addition, it is believed that music and sounds generated by the toys enhance listening skills and inspire creative thinking.

Some toy track play sets include rotatable elements to enhance sensory stimulation. Movement of the rotatable elements may be activated by an object passing by or through a mechanism. However, such track play sets only provide for movement of an object about a single track, where the moving object is placed by the user onto the track and does not leave the predetermined path of the track until removed by the user. It would be desirable to provide a track play set that increases the developmental potential of an infant by providing an additional level of visual tracking stimulation. Therefore, there is a need for an interactive track play set where the moving object is launched out of a chute to a platform that redirects the moving object onto a track.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed an interactive track play set that contains a central tower with a plurality of extending support arms. At the top of the tower is a first track portion that contains a spout. Below the spout, located on one of the support arms, is a platform with an elastic member. Positioned about the central tower and plurality of support arms is a second track portion. The second track portion is positioned below the first track portion and the platform. Furthermore, the platform is configured to redirect and object from the first track portion and the spout onto the second track portion. Moreover, the first and second track portions may contain a plurality of switches that actuate a plurality of lights and sounds located throughout the track play set. Finally, one of the support arms may contain an infrared beam and sensor, that when the beam is interrupted, actuates sound effects from the track play set.

The present invention is directed to a track play set that includes a tower with a top end and a bottom end, a first track portion that is attached to the tower and includes an outlet, a platform mounted to the tower at a location lower than the outlet, and an elastic member coupled to the platform and configured to redirect an object from the outlet onto a second track portion.

In one embodiment, the platform includes a centrally positioned aperture with the elastic member covering the aperture. Furthermore, the first track portion includes a spout that defines the outlet. The spout also includes an inlet, and the inlet and outlet are, respectively, configured for receiving and disbursing an object. Moreover, the outlet of the spout is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion toward the elastic member.

In another embodiment, at the bottom end of the tower is a base that is configured to engage a supporting surface. Additionally, the tower has an arm positioned between the top end and the bottom end that supports the platform.

The present invention is directed to a track play set containing a support member that includes a laterally extending arm, a first track portion coupled to the support member, and a trampoline mounted onto the arm, where the trampoline is configured to be engaged by an object from the first track portion and redirect the object off of the trampoline and onto a second track portion.

In another embodiment, the second track portion is separate from the first track portion. Additionally, the trampoline includes a support with an aperture and an elastic member coupled to the support proximate to the aperture. Moreover, the support member comprises a base, the base being configured to engage a supporting surface.

In one embodiment, the first track portion includes a spout that defines an inlet and an outlet that are configured for receiving and disbursing the object respectively. Furthermore, the outlet of the spout is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion towards the trampoline.

The present invention is directed to a track play set including a tower with a top end and a bottom end, a first track portion attached to the tower, a support arm mounted to and laterally extending from the tower, and a platform disposed on the support arm that contains a centrally positioned aperture and an elastic member coupled to the platform and covering the aperture, the elastic member configured to redirect an object from the first track portion onto a second track portion.

In one embodiment, the second track portion is separate from the first track portion. Moreover, the platform is located below the first track portion and above the second track portion.

In another embodiment, the first track portion includes a spout defining an inlet and an outlet that are configured for receiving and disbursing the object. Furthermore, the outlet of the spout is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion toward the elastic member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a child's track play set according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the track play set of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a spout and trampoline of the track play set of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the spout of the track play set of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 a illustrates an internal view of one side of the spout of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4 b illustrates an internal view of a second side of the spout of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the trampoline of the track play set of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 a illustrates a cross sectional view of the trampoline of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a track portion of the track play set of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of a track connection member of the track play set of FIG. 1;

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a top perspective view of the child's track play set. The track play set 100 includes a base 200 with a central region 202. In one embodiment, the central region 202 may contain a first extension 204 and a second extension 206 that extend from the central region 202 in a substantially horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the first extension 204 and the second extension 206 extend from the central region 202 in a manner that, when viewed from above, the combination of the central region 202, first extension 204 and second extension 206 form a V-shape. In other embodiments, the central region 202 may contain more or less than two extensions. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base 200 contains one satellite base portion 208. Extending substantially vertically from the satellite base portion 208 is a side pillar 250. In other embodiments, the central region 202 may contain more or less than one satellite base portion.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a central pillar 230 extends in a substantially vertical direction from the central region 202 of the base 200. Extending in a substantially vertical direction from the first base extension 204 and arching to the central pillar 230 is upper archway 210. Upper archway 210 includes a first end 212 that connects to the central pillar 230 proximate to the top 232 of the central pillar 230. Upper archway 210 further includes a second end 214 that connects to the first base extension 204. Proximate to the second end 214 is a paddle member 216 that is configured to be batted by a child or infant and rotate about the upper archway 210. Moreover, the upper archway 210 is shaped to create an archway over the first base extension 204, where an infant or small child can crawl or walk under the upper archway 210.

Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, a lower archway 220 extends in a substantially vertical direction from second base member 206 and arches to connect to the central pillar 230. Lower archway 220 includes a first end 222 that connects to the central pillar 230 at a point between the top 232 and bottom 234 of the central pillar 230. Furthermore, the lower archway 220 includes a second end 224 that connects to the second base extension 206. Proximate to the second end 224 is gate member 226 that is configured to rotate about the lower archway 220 when pushed or pulled by a child or infant. The lower archway 220 is configured for a child or infant to crawl underneath. Moreover, the lower archway 220 includes a horizontal top support portion 228. As illustrated, positioned along the top support portion 228 of the lower archway 220 is a trampoline 400.

Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, the central pillar 230 includes a speaker 238 mounted near the bottom 234. The speaker 238 is configured to deliver sound when the track play set 100 is turned on and various devices are activated. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the speaker 238 may be a 57 mm sized speaker, while in other embodiments, the speaker 238 may be larger or smaller. Moreover, the bottom 234 of the central pillar 230 contains an IR motion detecting mechanism 236 that is directed toward the second end 214 of the upper archway 210. The IR Motion detecting mechanism 236 is designed to detect a child's crawling/walking motion inside the upper archway 210. This IR motion detecting mechanism 236 is an IR retro-reflective setup, where an IR LED located in the central pillar 230 will project light into the upper archway 210. When there is an infant or child underneath the upper archway 210, the child breaks a beam of IR light or redirects the IR light back to the IR receiver in the central pillar 230, registering as an activation with the IR motion detecting mechanism 236. In one embodiment, both the IR LED and IR Receiver sensor must be designed to prevent any IR light from coupling directly between the LED and Receiver. It is important that the emitting IR LED is angled such that it will not be reflecting any light off of the opposite side of the second end 214 of the upper archway 210 and must be placed so that objects 1000 rolling down the various track portions 500, 600, 700, 800 cannot activate it. For best performance, the angle between the LED and IR Receiver should be such that they cross midway through the upper archway 210.

Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, various track portions are illustrated, including a top track portion 500, a first middle track portion 600, a second middle track portion 700 and a bottom track portion 800. In one embodiment, the top track portion 500 is positioned above the first middle track portion 600, second middle track portion 700, and bottom track portion 800, and is rotated or wound around the central pillar 230. The top track portion 500 includes a first end 502 and a second end 504. The top track portion 500 is configured to receive an object 1000 and transport the object from the first end 502 to the second end 504. Furthermore, the second end 504 is positioned above the first end 602 of the first middle track portion 600, to enable an object 1000 traveling along the top track portion 500 and subsequently onto the first middle track portion 600. In one embodiment, the object 1000 configured to travel along the track portions 500, 600, 700, 800 is a ball.

First middle track portion 600 includes a first end 602 and a second end 606. First middle track portion 600 is positioned with the first end 602 is attached to the central pillar 230, below the second end 504 of the top track portion 500. The first middle track portion 600 extends from the central pillar 230 to the side pillar 250, where the first middle track portion 600 spirals or is wound around the side pillar 250. The first middle track portion 600 contains a second end 606 that attaches to a track connection member 900, which is located between the central pillar 230 and the side pillar 250. At the first end 602 of the first middle track portion 600 is a spinner 604 that is configured to spin in place when contacted by a child or by an object 1000.

Additionally, a second middle track portion 700 is positioned on the track play set 100 below the first middle track portion 600. Similar to the top track portion 500, the second middle track portion 700 spirals, or is wound around, the central pillar 230. The second middle track portion 700 includes a first end 702 and a second end 704, the second end 704 that is attached to the track connection member 900. Furthermore, a bottom track portion 800 is positioned beneath the top track portion 500, the first middle track portion 600, and the second middle track portion 700. The bottom track portion 800 includes a first end 802 and a second end 804. The first end 802 of the bottom track portion 800 is connected to one side of the track connection member 900, and the second end 804 of the bottom track portion is connected to the opposite side of the track connection member 900. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bottom track portion 800 is positioned to wrap around both the central pillar 230 and the side pillar 250.

Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, as illustrated, attached to the top 232 of the central pillar 230 is spout 300. Furthermore, attached proximate to the bottom 234 of the central pillar 230 is an activation member 240. The activation member 240, as illustrated in FIG. 2, extends horizontally from the bottom 234 of the central pillar 230 and positioned directly above the bottom track portion 800. The activation member 240 is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis when spun or batted by a child or infant, or when contacted by an object 1000 traveling along the bottom track portion 800.

Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a perspective view of the spout 300, the trampoline 400, and the top track portion 500. As stated previously, the spout 300 is positioned on the top 232 of the central pillar 230. As illustrated, the spout 300 includes an outlet 308 that is configured to output an object 1000. Furthermore, the spout 300 is configured to output an object 1000 out of the outlet 308, where the object 1000 falls along direction A to the trampoline 400. The trampoline 400 is positioned on the top support portion 228 of the lower archway 220. Moreover, the trampoline 400 includes an elastic/resilient cover 408 (illustrated as transparent) that is configured to receive the object 1000 that left the outlet 308 along path A, and redirect the object 1000 along direction B onto the top track portion 500. The elastic/resilient cover 408 of the trampoline 400 is constructed of a material that will slightly deform and stretch when contacted by an object 1000 falling along direction A, and then quickly return to its original unstretched state, launching the object 1000 in direction B, onto the top track portion 500. Furthermore, the trampoline 400 may be slidably engaged with the top support portion 228 of the lower archway 220, enabling the trampoline 400 to be configured into an optimum position to receive objects 1000 traveling falling along direction A, and direct objects 1000 properly in direction B and onto the top track portion 500. It should be noted that although elastic/resilient cover 408 is described above as being made of a material that will slightly deform and stretch when contacted by a falling object 1000, the elastic/resilient cover 408 could be made from a more rigid plastic material that also works with the elasticity of the falling object 1000 itself to receive objects 1000 falling along direction A, and direct objects 1000 properly in direction B and onto the top track portion 500.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 4 a, and 4 b, illustrated are various views of the spout 300. The spout 300 includes a first side 302, illustrated in FIG. 4 b, and a second side 304, illustrated in FIG. 4 a. The first side 302 contains an inlet 306, in the shape of a circle on the side of the first side 302. The inlet 306 is configured to receive an object 1000. When the second side 304 and the first side 302 are connected together, the two sides 302, 304 form an outlet 308 that is configured to direct an object 1000 towards the trampoline 400, as stated previously. Moreover, the first side 302 and the second side 304 form a connection member 310 on the bottom of the spout 300. As illustrated, the connection member 310 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the body of the spout 300 directly above the connection member 310, enabling the connection member 310 to slidably engage the top 232 of the central pillar 230, positioning the spout 300 on the central pillar 230. Additionally, the spout 300 contains a trigger mechanism 312 placed partially within the inlet 306. The trigger mechanism 312 is configured to be depressed when an object 1000 passes through the inlet 306, actuating the trigger mechanism 312. In one embodiment, the trigger mechanism 312 is connected to electronic components within the track play set 100 that output a sound on a time delay. The sound will be output by the speaker 238 approximately at the time the object 1000 contacts the trampoline 400 positioned below the spout 300.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 5 a, illustrated are various views of the trampoline 400. Similar to the spout 300, the trampoline 400 contains a first side 402 and a second side 404. When the first side 402 and the second side 404 of the trampoline 400 are connected together, an aperture 406 is formed in the top surface, or face, of the trampoline 400. Furthermore, approximate to the bottom of the trampoline 400 is a connection opening 412, which is configured to slideably engage the top support portion 228 of the lower archway 220, as illustrated in FIG. 3. As stated previously, the trampoline 400 is able to slide along the top support portion 228 of the lower archway 220 (illustrated in FIG. 3) to properly position the trampoline 400 underneath the spout 300. When sliding the trampoline 400 along the top support portion 228 (illustrated in FIG. 3), the top support portion 228 slides through the connection opening 412. As illustrated in FIG. 5 a, a cross sectional view of the second side 404 of the trampoline 400, numerous retaining members 410 are positioned within the second side 404, below the aperture 406. As illustrated in FIG. 5 a, the retaining members 410 support the resilient cover 408 below the aperture 406 in the trampoline 400. Additionally, first side 402 is a mirror image of the second side 404, including retaining members 410 positioned below the aperture 406. As stated previously, the resilient cover 408 is constructed of a material that will slightly deform and stretch when contacted by an object 1000. The resilient cover 408 then immediately returns to its original unstretched state, which launches the object 1000 onto the top track portion 500 (shown in FIG. 3).

Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is a cross sectional view of the central pillar 230, the top track portion 500, the first middle track portion 600, and the spinner 604. As illustrated, the spinner 604 is positioned within the first end 602 of the first middle track portion 600. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spinner 604 includes three fins 610. Positioned within the central pillar 230, and protruding outwardly from the central pillar 230, is spinner trigger 608. Spinner trigger 608 is shaped and configured to protrude from the central pillar 230 and into the first end 602 of the first middle track portion 230, where the fins 610 of the spinner 604 are able to contact the spinner trigger 608. As the spinner 604 is rotated, either by a child or from an object 1000 passing through the first end 602 of the first middle track portion 230, the fins 610 contact the spinner trigger 608 causing the speaker 238 (illustrated in FIG. 1) to output a sound.

Referring to FIG. 7, illustrated is a cross sectional view of the track connection member 900. In one embodiment, the track connection member 900 is of a substantially circular shape. The track connection member 900 includes a first inlet 902 on the top left portion of the track connection member 900. Furthermore, a second inlet 904 is configured on the top right portion of the track connection member 900. Moreover, the track connection member 900 includes a first outlet 906 positioned below the first inlet 902, and a second outlet 908 positioned below the second inlet 904. The second end 704 of the second middle track portion 700 is connected to the first inlet 902 of the track connection member 900. The second end 606 of the first middle track portion 600 is connected to the second inlet 904 of the track connection member 900. Additionally, the first end 802 of the bottom track portion 800 is connected to the first outlet 906 of the track connection member 900, while the second end 804 of the bottom track portion 800 is connected to the second outlet 908 of the track connection member 900.

The track connection member 900 also includes a divider tab 910 positioned substantially vertically inside the track connection member 900. As objects 1000 roll into the first inlet 902 of track connection member 900, the divider tab 910 directs the object 1000 out of the first outlet 906 of the track connection member 900. In addition, as objects 1000 roll into the second inlet 904 of track connection member 900, the divider tab 910 directs the object 1000 out of the second outlet 908 of the track connection member 900. Referring to FIG. 1, the front of the track connection member 900 includes a viewing aperture 912 and a tray 914. The viewing aperture 912 is configured to allow a child to view the object 100 entering the inlets 902, 904 to be redirected via the divider tab 910 to the outlets 906, 908. Furthermore, the tray 914 is configured to retain objects 1000. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A track play set, comprising: a tower with a top end and a bottom end; a first track portion attached to the tower, the first track portion including an outlet; a platform mounted to the tower at a location lower than the outlet; and an elastic member coupled to the platform and configured to redirect an object from the outlet onto a second track portion.
 2. The track play set of claim 1, wherein the platform includes a centrally positioned aperture, and the elastic member covers the aperture.
 3. The track play set of claim 1, wherein the first track portion includes a spout defining the outlet.
 4. The track play set of claim 3, wherein the spout includes an inlet, the inlet and the outlet are configured for receiving and disbursing the object.
 5. The track play set of claim 5, wherein the outlet of the spout is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion toward the elastic member.
 6. The track play set of claim 1, wherein the tower comprises a base at the bottom end, the base being configured to engage a support surface.
 7. The track play set of claim 1, wherein the tower further comprises an arm positioned between the top end and the bottom end, and the arm supports the platform.
 8. A track play set, comprising: a support member including a laterally extending arm; a first track portion coupled to the support member; and a trampoline mounted onto the arm, wherein the trampoline is configured to be engaged by an object from the first track portion and redirect the object off of the trampoline and onto a second track portion.
 9. The track play set of claim 8, wherein the second track portion is separate from the first track portion.
 10. The track play set of claim 8, wherein the trampoline includes a support with an aperture and an elastic member coupled to the support proximate to the aperture.
 11. The track play set of claim 8, wherein the first track portion includes a spout defining an inlet and an outlet.
 12. The track play set of claim 11, wherein the inlet and the outlet are configured for receiving and disbursing the object.
 13. The track play set of claim 12, wherein the outlet of the spout is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion towards the trampoline.
 14. The track play set of 13, wherein the support member comprises a base, the base being configured to engage a support surface.
 15. A track play set, comprising: a tower with a top end and a bottom end; a first track portion attached to the tower; a support arm mounted to the tower, the support arm laterally extending from the tower; and a platform disposed on the support arm, the platform comprising a centrally positioned aperture, and an elastic member coupled to the platform and covering the aperture, the elastic member configured to redirect an object from the first track portion onto a second track portion.
 16. The track play set of claim 15, wherein the second track portion is separate from the first track portion.
 17. The track play set of claim 15, wherein the platform is located below the first track portion and above the second track portion.
 18. The track play set of claim 15, wherein the first track portion includes a spout defining an inlet and an outlet.
 19. The track play set of claim 18, wherein the inlet and the outlet are configured for receiving and disbursing the object.
 20. The track play set of claim 19, wherein the outlet of the spout is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion toward the elastic member. 